Hiking The North Fork Skokomish Trail

The 12th most popular hiking trail in Washington.

Monday 15 August 2016 03:06 GMT

Northwest of Olympia and Hoodsport near Lake Cushman, the 16 mile North Fork Skokomish Trail follows the river closely through virgin forest carpeted by moss, sword ferns and salmonberry. Starting from the Staircase Ranger Station, the trail leads into the remote backcountry quickly. At Nine Streams, the route climbs out of the valley and over First Divide to the Duckabush River. Keep a sharp eye out along the way for the families of river otters which populate the Skokomish -- theyll be just as curious of you as you are of them.

To reach the hiking trailhead, follow Hwy 101 to Hoodsport. Turn onto State Route #19 (Lake Cushman Road) and travel 9.0 mi. to the junction with FS Rd #24. Turn left and travel 7.0 mi into the National Park and park near the ranger station.